Kevin Harvick & RIR Visit Ft. Eustis Army Base

Chase Driver Reflects on Appreciation for the Military & What to Expect at RIR in September

You would be hard pressed to find a sport more in touch with its military fan base than NASCAR, and that bond was evident today when Richmond International Raceway officials brought NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Kevin Harvick to Ft. Eustis Army Base.

Harvick visited the Commonwealth in advance of the Saturday, September 6, Federated Auto Parts 400 at RIR – the race that sets the stage for the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup. The base was a fitting venue to let all the soldiers know about RIR’s Military Appreciation Program.

While on base, Harvick tested his skills on an Apache helicopter simulator with the 128th Aviation Brigade; took a tour of the 7th Transportation Brigade, also known as the “Army’s Navy,” and spoke with the men and women who protect our country on a daily basis.

“I look at the NASCAR world in general, in the sports world, as one of the biggest supporters of our military, and we couldn’t be more thankful for what they do for us,” said Harvick. “It allows us to live our lives as we do, and there are a lot of sacrifices made for us to do so.”

Harvick is already locked into the Chase, but he expects an intense battle for the drivers who are looking to lock in a spot in NASCAR’s 10-race playoff.

“It’s definitely going to be an interesting race to the Chase,” said Harvick. “I think the last race before the Chase [at Richmond] has been interesting the last few years, but knowing that a win will absolutely get you into the Chase is different than it has been in the past. The risk versus reward is much bigger on the reward [side] than it has been in the past. That’s the way racing is supposed to be, and I think that’s the way the format was designed, to really keep that intensity level as high as possible.

For those drivers who have a chance in the final laps at RIR on September 6…

“Ask for forgiveness later would probably be the motto of most everybody that’s involved in that situation,” said Harvick. “I think as you look at everybody - they’re going to have that mentality of do whatever you have to do to get into the Chase, and at that point, for most of them, it’s going to be a win is the only way in.”

Harvick and 11 of his friends are locked into the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup, but four spots remain. See the drama unfold live at Richmond International Raceway on Saturday, September 6, at the Federated Auto Parts 400 – “One Last Race to Make the Chase.” Advance adult tickets start at $35; tickets for kids 12 & younger are $25 off the adult price in all sections, and can be purchased by clicking here or calling 866-455-7223. All ticket holders are invited to join us for the Post-Race Party on the Track – “The Party Begins When the Race Ends!”